New figures have revealed the highest level on record of four- and five-year-olds in Wales living with overweight or obesity, according to the latest Child Measurement Programme data.

Public Health Wales (PHW) estimates that 27.3 per cent of children in Reception classes are now affected, the highest prevalence recorded since the programme began in 2014-15.

The annual programme measures the height and weight of children in Reception across Wales. This year’s report included 28,512 children – representing 94.7 per cent of all four- and five-year-olds – the highest participation rate to date.

It also found that 12.8 per cent of children were living with obesity, compared with 10.5 per cent in England and 11.8 per cent in Scotland.

The data also shows a clear link with deprivation. In the most deprived areas of Wales, 15.6 per cent of children were living with obesity, compared with 8.9 per cent in the least deprived areas.

Rachel Bath, Consultant in Public Health at PHW and lead for Early Years, said: "These findings underline how important the early years for children are. We know that Wales has strong ambitions for giving children the best start in life, and these data help point us towards where collective effort can make the greatest difference.

"The foundations for a healthy weight and a healthy future are laid from pregnancy through to starting school. Supporting healthy growth early on in a child’s life offers one of our strongest opportunities to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes, particularly for children growing up in more deprived communities.

"This is not about parents lacking knowledge or motivation. Families consistently tell us they want to do their best for their babies and young children, but the environments around them can make healthy choices harder to achieve. Creating the conditions where the healthy choice is the easy choice requires joined-up action across health, food, childcare, retail, communities and public services.

“We are looking forward to working with the Welsh Government, partners, parents and carers to enable children across Wales to thrive."

PHW said it is working with partners to act on the findings, including a review of early years food provision, work with retailers on the baby food environment, and engagement with communities to understand barriers faced by parents.

The organisation has also confirmed the permanent appointment of a National Breastfeeding Lead to provide national leadership alongside its wider Early Years and Children’s Health Team.

Rachel Bath added: "Improving outcomes in the early years is a shared responsibility. Lasting change depends on strong collaboration, with shared ownership of outcomes and better alignment of policies, funding and delivery. Longer-term, coordinated investment gives local services, communities and families the stability they need to plan and deliver what works.

"Parents can access the latest advice and guidance through PHW digital resources, covering all stages of childhood up to age seven. These resources are designed to be clear and practical, supporting families with reliable information on health and wellbeing alongside wider services available across Wales."